HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2012 HOUSE BILL NO. 908 BY REPRESENTATIVE RITCHIE INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to health insurance rate review and approval AN ACT1 To amend and reenact R.S. 22:972, Subpart D of Part III of Chapter 4 of Title 22 of the2 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised of R.S. 22:1091 through 1099,3 and R.S. 44:4.1(B)(10), and to enact R.S. 22:821(B)(34), relative to health4 insurance rate review and approval; to provide for definitions; to provide for5 applicability; to provide relative to form approval; to modify community rating; to6 provide with respect to review and subsequent approval or disapproval of proposed7 premium rate filings and rate changes; to provide for fees; to provide for exceptions8 to the Public Records Law; to provide for implementation and enforcement; to9 prohibit certain discrimination in rates; to provide for transitional provisions by10 providing for various effective dates; and to provide for related matters.11 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:12 Section 1. R.S. 22:972 and Subpart D of Part III of Chapter 4 of Title 22 of the13 Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, comprised of R.S. 22:1091 through 1099, are hereby14 amended and reenacted and R.S. 22:821(B)(34) is hereby enacted to read as follows: 15 §821. Fees16 * * *17 B. The following fees and licenses shall be collected in advance by the18 commissioner of insurance:19 * * *20 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 2 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (34)Fee for premium rate filings for health insurance issuers1 (a)New premium rate filings.......................$ 100.002 (b)Rate changes.................................$ 150.003 * * *4 §972. Approval and disapproval of forms; filing of rates5 A. No policy or subscriber agreement of a health and accident insurance6 issuer, including a health maintenance organization, shall be delivered or issued for7 delivery in this state, nor shall any endorsement, rider, or application which becomes8 a part of any such policy, which may include a certificate, be used in connection9 therewith until a copy of the form and of the premium rates and of the classifications10 of risks pertaining thereto have been filed with the commissioner of insurance; nor11 shall any such department. No policy, subscriber agreement, endorsement, rider, or12 application shall be used until the expiration of forty-five sixty days after the form13 has been filed unless the commissioner of insurance department gives his its written14 approval prior thereto. The commissioner of insurance shall notify in writing the15 insurer which has filed any such form if it does not comply with the provisions of16 this Subpart, specifying the reasons for his opinion; and it shall thereafter be17 unlawful for such insurer to issue such form in this state. Written notification shall18 be provided to the health insurance issuer specifying the reasons a policy form or19 subscriber agreement does not comply with the provisions of this Subpart. It shall20 be unlawful for any health insurance issuer to issue any form in this state not21 previously submitted to and approved by the department. An aggrieved party22 affected by the commissioner's department's decision, act, or order in reference to a23 policy form or subscriber agreement may demand a hearing in accordance with24 Chapter 12 of this Title, R.S. 22:2191 et seq.25 B. After providing twenty days' notice to the commissioner of health26 insurance issuer, the department may withdraw his its approval of any such policy27 form or subscriber agreement or on any of the grounds stated in this Section R.S.28 22:862. It shall be unlawful for the insurer health insurance issuer to issue such29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 3 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. policy form or subscriber agreement or use it in connection with any policy or1 subscriber agreement after the effective date of such withdrawal of approval. An2 aggrieved party affected by the commissioner's department's decision, act, or order3 in reference to a policy form or subscriber agreement may demand a hearing in4 accordance with Chapter 12 of this Title, R.S. 22:2191 et seq.5 C. The commissioner of insurance department shall not disapprove or6 withdraw approval of any such policy form or subscriber agreement on the ground7 that its provisions do not comply with R.S. 22:975 or on the ground that it is not8 printed in uniform type if it shall be shown that the rights of the insured, or the9 beneficiary, or the subscriber under the policy or subscriber agreement as a whole10 are not less favorable than the rights provided by R.S. 22:975 and that the provisions11 or type size used in the policy or subscriber agreement are required in the state,12 district, or territory of the United States in which the insurer the health insurance13 issuer is organized, anything in this Subpart to the contrary notwithstanding.14 D. All premium rates referenced in this Section are to be controlled by15 Subpart D of this Part, R.S. 22:1091 through 1099.16 * * *17 SUBPART D. RATES RATE REVIEW AND APPROVAL18 §1091. Health insurance plans subject to rate limitations review and approval19 A. The provisions of R.S. 22:1091 through 1095 shall apply to any health20 benefit plan which provides coverage to a small employer except the following:21 (1) An Archer medical savings account that meets all requirements of22 Section 220 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.23 (2) A health savings account that meets all requirements of Section 223 of24 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.25 B. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the following terms shall be26 defined as follows:27 (1) "Actuarial certification" means a written statement by a member of the28 American Academy of Actuaries that a small employer carrier is in compliance with29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 4 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. the provisions of R.S. 22:1092, based upon the person's examination, including a1 review of the appropriate records and of the actuarial assumptions and methods2 utilized by the carrier in establishing premium rates for applicable health benefit3 plans.4 (2) "Base premium rate" means, for each class of business as to a rating5 period, the lowest premium rate charged or which could have been charged under a6 rating system for that class of business, by the small employer carrier to small7 employers with similar case characteristics for health benefit plans with the same or8 similar coverage.9 (3) "Carrier" means an insurance company, including a health maintenance10 organization as defined and licensed to engage in the business of insurance under11 Subpart I of Part I of Chapter 2 of this Title, which is licensed or authorized to issue12 individual, group, or family group health insurance coverage for delivery in this13 state.14 (4) "Case characteristics" mean demographic or other relevant characteristics15 of a small employer, as determined by a small employer carrier, which are16 considered by the carrier in the determination of premium rates for the small17 employer. Claim experience, health status and duration of coverage since issue are18 not case characteristics for the purposes of this Section.19 (5) "Class of business" means all or a distinct grouping of small employers20 as shown on the records of the small employer carrier.21 (a) A distinct grouping may only be established by the small employer22 carrier on the basis that the applicable health benefit plans:23 (i) Are marketed and sold through individuals and organizations which are24 not participating in the marketing or sale of other distinct groupings of small25 employers for such small employer carrier;26 (ii) Have been acquired from another small employer carrier as a distinct27 grouping of plans; or28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 5 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (iii) Are provided through an association with membership of not less than1 twenty-five small employers which has been formed for purposes other than2 obtaining insurance.3 (b) A small employer carrier may establish no more than two additional4 groupings under each of the items in Subparagraph (a) of Paragraph (5) of this5 Subsection on the basis of underwriting criteria which are expected to produce6 substantial variation in the health care costs.7 (c) The commissioner may approve the establishment of additional distinct8 groupings upon application to the commissioner and a finding by the commissioner9 that such action would enhance the efficiency and fairness of the small employer10 insurance marketplace.11 (6) "Health benefit plan", "plan", or "health insurance coverage" means12 benefits consisting of medical care, provided directly, through insurance or13 reimbursement, or otherwise and including items and services paid for as medical14 care, under any hospital or medical service policy or certificate, hospital or medical15 service plan contract, preferred provider organization, or health maintenance16 organization contract offered by a health insurance issuer. However, a "health17 benefit plan" shall not include limited benefit and supplemental health insurance;18 coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance; workers' compensation or19 similar insurance; or automobile medical-payment insurance.20 (7) "Health savings accounts" are those accounts for medical expenses21 authorized by 26 USC 220 et seq.22 (8) "High deductible health plan" means a high deductible health plan or23 policy that is qualified to be used in conjunction with a health savings account,24 medical savings account, or other similar program authorized by 26 USC 220 et seq.25 (9) "Index rate" means for each class of business for small employers with26 similar case characteristics the arithmetic average of the applicable base premium27 rate and the corresponding highest premium rate.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 6 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (10) "Medical savings account policy" means a high deductible health plan1 which is qualified to be used in conjunction with a medical savings account as2 provided in 26 USC 220 et seq.3 (11) "New business premium rate" means, for each class of business as to4 a rating period, the premium rate charged or offered by the small employer carrier5 to small employers with similar case characteristics for newly issued health benefits6 plans with the same or similar coverage.7 (12) "Rating period" means the calendar period for which premium rates8 established by a small employer carrier are assumed to be in effect, as determined9 by the small employer carrier.10 (13) "Small employer" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or11 association actively engaged in business which, on at least fifty percent of its12 working days during the preceding year, employed no less than three nor more than13 thirty-five eligible employees, the majority of whom were employed within this14 state, and is not formed primarily for purposes of buying health insurance, and in15 which a bona fide employer-employee relationship exists. In determining the16 number of eligible employees, companies which are affiliated companies or which17 are eligible to file a combined tax return for purposes of state taxation shall be18 considered one employer. An employer group of one shall be considered individual19 insurance under this Section.20 (14) "Small employer carrier" means any carrier which offers health benefit21 plans covering the employees of a small employer.22 C. Group and individual high deductible health plans are excluded from the23 provisions of R.S. 22:1091 through 1095.24 A. The provisions of this Subpart shall apply to any health benefit plan25 which provides coverage for a large group, individual, or small group, including any26 policy or subscriber agreement, covering residents of this state. The provisions shall27 apply regardless of where such policy or subscriber agreement was issued or28 delivered and shall include any employer, association, or a trustee of a fund29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 7 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. established by an employer, association, or trust for multiple associations who shall1 be deemed the policyholder, covering one or more employees of such employer, one2 or more members or employees of members of such association or multiple3 associations, for the benefit of persons other than the employe r, the association, or4 the multiple associations, as well as their officers or trustees. The provisions of R.S.5 22:1091 through 1097 shall not apply to the following:6 (1) An Archer medical savings account that meets all requirements of7 Section 220 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.8 (2) A health savings account that meets all requirements of Section 223 of9 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.10 (3) Group and individual high deductible health plans.11 (4) Excepted benefits.12 (5) Grandfathered health plans.13 B. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, for purposes of this Subpart:14 (1) "Actuarial certification" means a written statement signed by a member15 of the American Academy of Actuaries that a health insurance issuer is in16 compliance with the provisions of this Subpart, based upon the actuary's17 examination, including a review of the appropriate records and of the actuarial18 assumptions and methods utilized by the health insurance issuer in establishing19 premium rates for applicable health benefit plans.20 (2) "Base premium rate" means, for each class of business as to a rating21 period, the lowest premium rate charged or which could have been charged under a22 rating system for that class of business, by the small employer health insurance23 issuer to small employers with similar case characteristics for health benefits plans24 with the same or similar coverage. Coverage and case characteristic variations in the25 manual shall bear a reasonable relationship to normal expectations based on26 experience of standard risks. The use of experience alone is not sufficient27 justification for variations beyond such expectations.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 8 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) "Case characteristics" mean demographic or other relevant characteristics1 of a small employer, as determined by a small employer health insurance issuer,2 which are considered by the health insurance issuer in the determination of premium3 rates for the small employer. Claim experience, health status, and duration of4 coverage since issue are not case characteristics for purposes of this Subpart.5 (4) "Class of business" means all or a distinct grouping of small employers6 as shown on the records of the small employer health insurance issuer.7 (a) A distinct grouping may only be established by the small employer health8 insurance issuer on the basis that the applicable health benefit plans meets at least9 one of the following criteria:10 (i) Are marketed and sold through individuals and organizations which are11 not participating in the marketing or sale of other distinct groupings of small12 employers for such small employer health insurance issuer.13 (ii) Have been acquired from another small employer health insurance issuer14 as a distinct grouping of plans.15 (iii) Are provided through an association with membership of not less than16 twenty-five small employers which has been formed for purposes other than17 obtaining insurance.18 (b) A small employer health insurance issuer may establish no more than two19 additional groupings under each of the items in Subparagraph (B)(4)(a) of this20 Section on the basis of underwriting criteria which are expected to produce21 substantial variation in the health care costs.22 (c) The commissioner may approve the establishment of additional distinct23 groupings upon application to him and a finding by him that such action would24 enhance the efficiency and fairness of the small employer insurance marketplace.25 (5) "Excepted benefits" means under one or more of the following:26 (a) Benefits not subject to requirements:27 (i) Coverage only for accident, or disability income insurance, or any28 combination.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 9 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (ii) Coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance.1 (iii) Liability insurance, including general liability insurance and automobile2 liability insurance.3 (iv) Workers' compensation or similar insurance.4 (v) Automobile medical payment insurance.5 (vi) Credit-only insurance.6 (vii) Coverage for on-site medical clinics.7 (viii) Other similar insurance coverage, specified in regulations issued by the8 commissioner pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, under which benefits9 for medical care are secondary or incidental to other insurance benefits.10 (b) Benefits not subject to requirements if offered separately:11 (i) Limited scope dental or vision benefits.12 (ii) Benefits for long-term care, nursing home care, home health care,13 community-based care, or any combination thereof.14 (iii) Such other similar, limited benefits as specified in reasonable15 regulations issued by the commissioner.16 (c) Benefits not subject to requirements if offered as independent,17 non-coordinated benefits:18 (i) Coverage only for a specified disease or illness.19 (ii) Hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance.20 (d) Benefits not subject to requirements if offered as a separate insurance21 policy:22 (i) Medicare supplemental health insurance as defined by Section 1882(g)(1)23 of the Social Security Act.24 (ii) Insurance coverage supplemental to military health benefits.25 (iii) Similar supplemental coverage provided under a group health plan.26 (6) "Excessive" means the premium charged for the health insurance27 coverage is considered to be unreasonably high in relation to the benefits provided28 under the particular product. In determining whether the premium rate is29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 10 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. unreasonably high in relation to the benefits provided, the department will consider1 each of the following:2 (a) Whether the premium rate results in a projected medical loss ratio below3 the federal medical loss ratio standard in the applicable market to which the premium4 rate applies, after accounting for any adjustments allowable under federal law; 5 (b) Whether one or more of the assumptions on which the premium rate is6 based is not supported by substantial evidence.7 (c) Whether the choice of assumptions or combination of assumptions on8 which the premium rate is based is unreasonable.9 (7) "Federal review threshold" means any rate increase that results in a ten10 percent or greater rate increase, or such other threshold as required by federal law,11 regulation, or directive by the United States Department of Health and Human12 Services, or any premium rate that, when combined with all rate increases and13 decreases during the previous twelve- month period would result in an aggregate ten14 percent or greater rate increase.15 (8) "Grandfathered health plan" has the same meaning as that in 45 C.F.R.16 147.140.17 (9) "Health benefit plan", "plan", "benefit", or "health insurance coverage"18 means services consisting of medical care, provided directly, through insurance or19 reimbursement, or otherwise, and including items and services paid for as medical20 care under any hospital or medical service policy or certificate, hospital or medical21 service plan contract, preferred provider organization, or health maintenance22 organization contract offered by a health insurance issuer. However, excepted23 benefits are not included as a "health benefit plan".24 (10) "Health insurance issuer" means any entity that offers health insurance25 coverage through a policy, certificate of insurance, or subscriber agreement subject26 to state law that regulates the business of insurance. A "health insurance issuer"27 shall include a health maintenance organization, as defined and licensed pursuant to28 Subpart I of Part I of Chapter 2 of this Title.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 11 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (11) "Health savings accounts" are those accounts for medical expenses1 authorized by 26 U.S.C. 220 et seq.2 (12) "High deductible health plan" means a high deductible health plan or3 policy that is qualified to be used in conjunction with a health savings account,4 medical savings account, or other similar program authorized by 26 U.S.C. 220 et5 seq.6 (13) "Inadequate" means premium rates for a particular product are clearly7 insufficient to sustain projected losses and expenses, or the use of such premium8 rates.9 (14) "Index rate" means for each class of business for small employers with10 similar case characteristics the arithmetic average of the applicable base premium11 rate and the corresponding highest premium rate.12 (15) "Individual health insurance coverage" or "individual policy" means13 health insurance coverage offered to individuals in the individual market or through14 an association.15 (16) "Insured" includes any policyholder, including a dependent, enrollee,16 subscriber, or member, who is covered through any policy or subscriber agreement17 offered by a health insurance issuer.18 (17) "Large group" or "large employer" means any person, firm, corporation,19 partnership, or association actively engaged in business which employs more20 employees than is able to qualify for a small group under this Section.21 (18) "Medical loss ratio" means the ratio of expected incurred benefits to22 expected earned premium over the time period of coverage, subject to the23 requirements of federal statute, regulation, or rule.24 (19) "New business premium rate" means, for each class of business as to25 a rating period, the premium rate charged or offered by the small employer health26 insurance issuer to small employers with similar case characteristics for newly issued27 health benefits plans with the same or similar coverage.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 12 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (20) "New premium rate filing" means any particular product which has not1 been issued or delivered in this state.2 (21) "Particular product" means a basic insurance policy form, certificate,3 or subscriber agreement delineating the terms, provisions, and conditions of a4 specific type of coverage or benefit under a particular type of contract with a discrete5 set of rating and pricing methodologies that a health insurance issuer offers in the6 state.7 (22) "Premium rate" means the rate initially filed or filed as a result of a rate8 change by a health insurance issuer for a particular product.9 (23) "Rate change" means whenever rates for any health insurance issuer for10 a particular product differ from the rates on file with the department; including any11 change in any current rating factor, periodic recalculation of experience, change in12 rate calculation methodology, change in benefits, or change in the trend or other13 rating assumptions.14 (24) "Rate increase" means any increase of the rates for a particular product.15 When referring to federal review thresholds, a rate increase includes a premium16 volume–weighted average increase for all insureds for the aggregate rate changes17 during the twelve-month period preceding the proposed rate increase effective date.18 (25) "Rating factors" mean demographic or other relevant characteristics19 which are considered by the health insurance issuer in the determination of premium20 rates for a particular product.21 (26) "Rating period" means the calendar period for which premium rates22 established by a health insurance issuer are in effect.23 (27) "Small group" or "small employer" means any person, firm,24 corporation, partnership, trust or association actively engaged in business which has25 employed an average of at least one but not more than fifty employees, and26 beginning on January 1, 2014, at least one but not more than one hundred employees,27 on business days during the preceding calendar year or plan year and who employs28 at least one employee on the first day of the plan year. Small group or small29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 13 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. employer shall include coverage sold to small groups or small employers through1 associations or through a blanket policy. An employer group of one shall be2 considered individual insurance under this Subpart.3 (28) "Unfairly discriminatory" means premium rates that result in premium4 differences between insureds within similar risk categories that do not reasonably5 correspond to differences in expected costs. When applied to premium rates6 charged, "unfairly discriminatory" shall refer to any premium rate charged by small7 group or individual health insurance issuers in violation of R.S. 22:1095.8 (29) "Unjustified" means a premium rate for which a health insurance issuer9 has provided data or documentation to the Department in connection with premium10 rates for a particular product that are incomplete, inadequate, or otherwise do not11 provide a basis upon which the reasonableness of a premium rate may be determined12 or is otherwise inadequate insofar as the premium rate charged is clearly insufficient13 to sustain projected losses and expenses. 14 (30) "Unreasonable" means any premium rate that contains a provision or15 provisions that are any of the following:16 (a) Excessive.17 (b) Unfairly discriminatory.18 (c) Unjustified.19 (d) Otherwise not in compliance with the provisions of this Title or this20 Subpart.21 §1092. Restrictions relating to premium rates; health insurance Health insurance22 issuers; premium rate filings and rate increases23 A. Premium rates for group health benefit plans subject to R.S. 22:109124 through 1094 shall be subject to the following provisions:25 (1) The index rate for a rating period for any class of business shall not26 exceed the index rate for any other class of business by more than twenty percent.27 (2) For a class of business, the premium rates charged during a rating period28 to any employer with similar case characteristics for the same or similar coverage,29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 14 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. or the rates which could be charged to such employer under the rating system for that1 class of business, whether new coverage or renewal coverage, shall not vary from the2 index rate by more than thirty-three percent of the index rate.3 (3) The percentage increase in the premium rate charged to a small employer4 for a new rating period may not exceed the sum of the following:5 (a) The percentage change in the new business premium rate measured from6 the first day of the prior rating period to the first day of the new rating period. In the7 case of a class of business for which the small employer carrier is not issuing new8 policies, the carrier shall use the percentage change in the base premium rate.9 (b) An adjustment, not to exceed twenty percent annually and adjusted pro10 rata for rating periods of less than one year, due to one or a combination of the11 following: claim experience, health status, or duration of coverage of the employees12 or dependents of the small employer as determined from the carrier's rate manual for13 the class of business.14 (c) Any adjustment due to change in coverage or change in the case15 characteristics of the small employer as determined from the carrier's rate manual for16 the class of business.17 B. Nothing in this Section is intended to affect the use by a small employer18 carrier of legitimate rating factors other than claim experience, health status, or19 duration of coverage in the determination of premium rates. Small employer carriers20 shall apply rating factors, including case characteristics, consistently with respect to21 all small employers in a class of business.22 C. A small employer carrier shall not involuntarily transfer a small employer23 into or out of a class of business. A small employer carrier shall not offer to transfer24 a small employer into or out of a class of business unless such offer is made to25 transfer all small employers in the class of business without regard to case26 characteristics, claim experience, health status or duration since issue.27 A. Proposed premium rate filings. Every health insurance issuer shall file28 with the department every proposed premium rate to be used in connection with29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 15 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. particular products. Every such filing shall clearly state the date of the filing, the1 proposed premium rate, and the effective date of the proposed premium rate. All2 such filings shall be made electronically or as otherwise instructed by the3 department. All premium rate filings required by this Section shall be made in4 accordance with the following:5 (1) Premium rate filings shall be made no less than one hundred five days6 in advance of the proposed effective date unless otherwise waived by the department.7 (2) All health insurance issuers assuming, merging, or acquiring blocks of8 business shall be considered as proposing new premium rates.9 B. Contents of proposed premium rate filings.10 (1) All premium rate filings shall include each of the following:11 (a) An actuarial memorandum, including the actuarial certification, that12 provides justification for the proposed premium rate and all underlying assumptions.13 (b) Sufficient information to support the reasonableness of the premium rate14 including but not limited to valid company experience, when possible.15 (c) For a proposed rate increase, health insurance issuers shall submit each16 of the following:17 (i) A rate increase summary.18 (ii) A written description justifying the rate increase.19 (d) Any and all relevant information required by the department.20 (2) When a premium rate filing made pursuant to this Section is not21 accompanied by the information upon which the health insurance issuer supports the22 premium rate filing, and the department does not have sufficient information to23 determine whether the premium rate filing meets the requirements of this Section,24 it shall require the health insurance issuer to re-file the information upon which it25 supports its filing. The time period provided in this Section shall start over and26 commence as of the date the proper information is furnished to the department.27 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 16 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. C. Compliance with R.S. 22:1095. All proposed premium rate filings shall1 be reviewed for compliance with R.S. 22:1095. Any proposed premium rate filings2 which are not in compliance with R.S. 22:1095 shall not be approved.3 D. Premium rate filing review. All premium rate filings shall be reviewed4 by the department to determine whether such filing is unreasonable and compliant5 with this Subpart.6 E. Unreasonableness. Any and all premium rates shall comply with each of7 the following Paragraphs:8 (1) The department shall consider any of the following criteria to determine9 whether premium rates are unreasonable:10 (a) The premium rate is excessive.11 (b) The premium rate is unfairly discriminatory.12 (c) The premium rate is unjustified.13 (d) The premium rate does not otherwise comply with the provisions of this14 Subpart.15 (2) Criteria for unreasonable premium rates. The review of any proposed16 premium rate may take into consideration the following factors, to the extent17 applicable, to determine whether the filing under review is unreasonable:18 (a) The impact of medical trend changes by major service categories.19 (b) The impact of utilization changes by major service categories.20 (c) The impact of cost-sharing changes by major service categories.21 (d) The impact of benefit changes.22 (e) The impact of changes in an insured’s risk profile.23 (f) The impact of any overestimate or underestimate of medical trend for 24 prior year periods related to the rate increase, if applicable.25 (g) The impact of changes in reserve needs.26 (h) The impact of changes in administrative costs related to programs that27 improve health care quality.28 (i) The impact of changes in other administrative costs.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 17 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (j) The impact of changes in applicable taxes or licensing or regulatory fees.1 (k) Medical loss ratio. 2 (l) The financial performance of the health insurance issuer, including capital3 and surplus levels.4 F. Public comment. Within fifteen days of submission of any proposed rate5 increase which meets or exceeds the federal review threshold, the department shall6 publish a summary consistent with Items (B)(1)(c)(i) and (ii) of this Section of the7 rate increase information provided by the health insurance issuer on the department’s8 website. After publication, the public shall have thirty days to submit comments.9 G. Disapproval. The department shall disapprove a proposed premium rate10 filings if it finds the premium rate is unreasonable.11 H. Notification of approval or disapproval. The department shall notify the12 health insurance issuer in writing whether it approves or disapproves a proposed13 premium rate filing. Such notice shall be in writing and be made within sixty days14 of the filing. If the department disapproves a proposed premium rate filing, then the15 written notice shall clearly state the reasons why such proposed premium rate filing16 was disapproved. 17 I. For any rate increase that meets or exceeds the federal review threshold,18 the department shall, upon request by the secretary of the federal Department of19 Health and Human Services, provide its final determination with respect to20 unreasonableness to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in a manner21 and form prescribed along with a brief explanation of the final determination. The22 department shall post a notice of the final determination on its website. 23 J. Implementation of rates. A health insurance issuer may implement a24 proposed new premium rate filing approved by the department upon approval and25 proposed rate increases no sooner than forty-five days after the written approval in26 order for the insured to be notified pursuant to R.S. 22:1093. Any premium rate27 filing approved by the department shall be implemented within ninety days of notice28 of approval. Any premium rate not implemented within ninety days of notice of29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 18 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. approval shall be void and any health insurance issuer seeking to implement the1 premium rate thereafter shall be required to file a new premium rate filing in2 compliance with this Section.3 K. Request for a hearing. Any aggrieved health insurance issuer may file4 within thirty days a written request for a hearing with the Nineteenth Judicial District5 Court for a de novo review.6 L. Premium rate filings made by health insurance issuers under this Section7 shall be subject to the Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq., and the restrictions on8 health information under R.S. 22:42.1. The department shall publish for public9 comment, pursuant to Subsection F of this Section, a summary of the rate increases10 and written justification of the same, which do not constitute proprietary or trade11 secret information.12 §1093. Disclosure of rating practices and renewability provisions for insureds13 A. Each carrier shall make reasonable disclosure in solicitation and sales14 materials provided to small employers of the following:15 (1) The extent to which premium rates for a specific small employer are16 established or adjusted due to the claim experience, health status or duration of17 coverage of the employees or dependents of the small employer.18 (2) The provisions concerning the carrier's right to change premium rates and19 the factors, including case characteristics, which affect changes in premium rates.20 (3) A description of the class of business in which the small employer is or21 will be included, including the applicable grouping of plans.22 (4) The provisions relating to renewability of coverage.23 B. Each carrier shall provide a reasonable explanation of any rate increase24 no less than forty-five days prior to the effective date of such increase. Such25 explanation shall indicate the contributing factors resulting in an increased premium,26 which may include but not be limited to experience, medical cost, and demographic27 factors.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 19 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. A. Each health insurance issuer shall make reasonable disclosure in1 solicitation and sales materials provided to small employers of each of the following:2 (1) The extent to which premium rates for a specific small employer are3 established or adjusted due to the claim experience, health status, or duration of4 coverage of the employees or dependents of the small employer.5 (2) The provisions concerning the health insurance issuer's right to change6 premium rates and the factors, including case characteristics, which affect changes7 in premium rates.8 (3) A description of the class of business in which the small employer is or9 will be included, including the applicable grouping of plans.10 (4) The provisions relating to renewability of coverage.11 B. Each health insurance issuer shall provide its insureds a written notice of12 a reasonable explanation of reasonable explanation of any rate increase no less than13 forty-five days prior to the effective date of such increase. Such explanation shall14 indicate the contributing factors for the rate increase, which may include the written15 description justifying the rate increase as required by R.S. 22:1092(B)(1)(c).16 §1094. Maintenance of records for the department17 A. Each small employer carrier health insurance issuer shall maintain at its18 principal place of business a complete and detailed description of its rating practices19 and renewal underwriting description of its rating practices and renewal underwriting20 practices, including information and documentation which demonstrate that its rating21 methods and practices are based upon commonly accepted actuarial assumptions and22 are in accordance with sound actuarial principles and the rules and regulations of the23 department.24 B. Each small employer carrier health insurance issuer shall file each March25 first with the commissioner department an actuarial certification that the carrier26 health insurance issuer is in compliance with this Section Subpart and that the rating27 methods of the carrier health insurance issuer are actuarially sound. A copy of such28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 20 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. certification shall be retained by the carrier health insurance issuer at its principal1 place of business.2 C. A small employer carrier health insurance issuer shall make the3 information and documentation described in Subsection A of this Section available4 to the commissioner department for inspection upon request. The information shall5 be considered proprietary and trade secret information , and shall not be subject to6 disclosure by the commissioner department to persons outside of the department7 except as agreed to by the carrier health insurance issuer or as ordered by a court of8 competent jurisdiction., and shall not be subject to disclosure under the Public9 Records Law.10 §1095. Restrictions relating to premium rates; Modified modified community11 rating; health insurance premiums; compliance with rules and regulations12 rating factors 13 A. Each small group and individual health and accident insurer shall14 maintain at its principal place of business a complete and detailed description of its15 rating practices and a renewal underwriting description of its rating practices and16 renewal underwriting practices, including information and documentation which17 demonstrate that its rating methods and practices are in full and complete compliance18 with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Insurance for a19 modified community rating system for health insurance premiums.20 B.(1) The Department of Insurance shall promulgate regulations no later than21 January 1, 1994, that provide criteria for the community rating of premiums for any22 hospital, health, or medical expense insurance policy, hospital or medical service23 contract, health and accident policy or plan, or any other insurance contract of this24 type, that is small group or individually written.25 (2)(a) The regulations shall place limitations upon the following26 classification factors used by any insurer or group in the rating of individuals and27 their dependents for premiums:28 (i) Medical underwriting and screening.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 21 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (ii) Experience and health history rating.1 (iii) Tier rating.2 (iv) Durational rating.3 (b) The premiums charged shall not deviate according to the classification4 factors in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph by more than plus or minus thirty-three5 percent for individual health insurance policies or subscriber agreements. In no6 event shall the increase in premiums for a small employer group policy vary from7 the index rate by plus or minus thirty-three percent.8 (3) The following classification factors may be used by any small group or9 individual insurance carrier in the rating of individuals and their dependents for10 premiums:11 (a) Age.12 (b) Gender.13 (c) Industry.14 (d) Geographic area.15 (e) Family composition.16 (f) Group size.17 (g) Tobacco usage.18 (h) Plan of benefits.19 (i) Other factors approved by the Department of Insurance.20 C. Any small group and individual insurance carrier that varies rates by21 health status, claims experience, duration, or any other factor in conflict with the22 regulations promulgated by the Department of Insurance shall establish a phase-out23 rate adjustment as of the first renewal date on or after January 1, 2002, for each24 entity insured by the carrier in order to come into compliance with this Section25 pursuant to the regulations promulgated by the Department of Insurance.26 D. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to limited benefit health27 insurance policies or contracts.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 22 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. A. Premium rates for health benefit plans in the small group market shall be1 subject to the following provisions:2 (1) The index rate for a rating period for any class of business shall not3 exceed the index rate for any other class of business by more than twenty percent.4 (2) For a class of business, the premium rates charged during a rating period5 to any employer with similar case characteristics for the same or similar coverage,6 or the premium rates which could be charged to such employer under the rating7 system for that class of business, whether new coverage or renewal coverage, shall8 not vary from the index rate by more than thirty-three percent of the index rate.9 (3) The percentage increase in the premium rate charged to a small employer10 for a new rating period may not exceed the sum of the following:11 (a) The percentage change in the new business premium rate measured from12 the first day of the prior rating period to the first day of the new rating period. In the13 case of a class of business for which the small employer health insurance issuer is14 not issuing new policies, the health insurance issuer shall use the percentage change15 in the base premium rate.16 (b) An adjustment, not to exceed twenty percent annually and adjusted pro17 rata for rating periods of less than one year, due to one or a combination of the18 following: claim experience, health status, or duration of coverage of the employees19 or dependents of the small employer as determined from the health insurance issuer's20 rate manual for the class of business.21 (c) Any adjustment due to change in coverage or change in the case22 characteristics of the small employer as determined from the health insurance issuer's23 rate manual for the class of business.24 B. Nothing in this Section is intended to affect the use by a small employer25 health insurance issuer of legitimate rating factors other than claim experience,26 health status, or duration of coverage in the determination of premium rates. Small27 employer health insurance issuers shall apply rating factors, including case28 characteristics, consistently with respect to all small employers in a class of business.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 23 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. C. A small employer health insurance issuer shall not voluntarily transfer a1 small employer into or out of a class of business. A small employer health insurance2 issuer shall not offer to transfer a small employer into or out of a class of business3 unless such offer is made to transfer all small employers in the class of business4 without regard to case characteristics, claim experience, health status or duration5 since issue.6 D.(1) Health insurance issuers in the small group and individual markets7 shall adhere to regulations promulgated by the department which place limitations8 on the use of the following classification factors used in the rating of individuals and9 their dependents for premiums:10 (i) Medical underwriting and screening.11 (ii) Experience and health history rating.12 (iii) Tier rating.13 (iv) Durational rating.14 (2) The premiums charged shall not deviate according to the classification15 factors in Subparagraph (1) of this Subsection by more than plus or minus16 thirty-three percent for particular products in the individual market. In no event shall17 the increase in premium rates for a small employer group policy vary from the index18 rate by plus or minus thirty-three percent.19 (3) The following classification factors may be used by any small group or20 individual health insurance issuer in the rating of individuals and their dependents21 for premium rates:22 (a) Age.23 (b) Gender.24 (c) Industry.25 (d) Geographic area.26 (e) Family composition.27 (f) Group size.28 (g) Tobacco usage.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 24 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (h) Plan of benefits.1 (i) Other factors approved by the department.2 §1096. Health and accident insurers; rate increases Regulations3 Health and accident insurers shall not increase their premium rates during the4 initial twelve months of coverage and not more than once in any six-month period5 following the initial twelve-month period, for any policy, rider, or amendment issued6 in or for residents of the state, no matter the date of commencement or renewal of the7 insurance coverage except that no health insurance issuer or health maintenance8 organization issuing group or individual policies or subscriber agreements shall9 increase its premium rates or reduce the covered benefits under the policy or10 subscriber agreement after the commencement of the minimum one-hundred-eighty-11 day period described in R.S. 22:1068(C)(2)(a)(i) or 1074(C)(2)(a)(i). This Section12 does not affect increases in the premium amount due to the addition of a newly13 covered person or a change in age or geographic location of an individual insured or14 policyholder or an increase in the policy benefit level.15 The commissioner may promulgate such rules and regulations as may be16 necessary and proper to carry out the provisions of this Subpart. Such rules and17 regulations shall be promulgated and adopted in accordance with the Administrative18 Procedure Act.19 §1097. Discrimination in rates or failure to provide coverage because of severe20 disability or sickle cell trait prohibited Enforcement21 A. No insurance company shall charge unfair discriminatory premiums,22 policy fees or rates for, or refuse to provide any policy or contract of life insurance,23 life annuity, or policy containing disability coverage for a person solely because the24 applicant therefor has a severe disability, unless the rate differential is based on25 sound actuarial principles or is related to actual experience. No insurance company26 shall unfairly discriminate in the payments of dividends, other benefits payable under27 a policy, or in any of the terms and conditions of such policy or contract solely28 because the owner of the policy or contract has a severe disability.29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 25 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. B. "Severe disability", as used in this Section, means any disease of, or1 injury to, the spinal cord resulting in permanent and total disability, amputation of2 any extremity that requires prosthesis, permanent visual acuity of twenty/two3 hundred or worse in the better eye with the best correction, or a peripheral field so4 contracted that the widest diameter of such field subtends an angular distance no5 greater than twenty degrees, total deafness, inability to hear a normal conversation6 or use a telephone without the aid of an assistive device, or persons who have7 developmental disabilities, including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy,8 epilepsy, mental retardation, and other neurological impairments.9 C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring an insurance10 company to provide insurance coverage against a severe disability which the11 applicant or policyholder has already sustained.12 D. No insurance company shall charge unfair discriminatory premiums,13 policy fees or rates for, or refuse to provide any policy or contract of life insurance,14 life annuity, or policy containing disability coverage for a person solely because the15 applicant therefor has sickle cell trait. No insurance company shall unfairly16 discriminate in the payments of dividends, other benefits payable under a policy, or17 in any of the terms and conditions of such policy or contract solely because the18 insured of the policy of contract has sickle cell trait. Nothing in this Subsection shall19 prohibit waiting periods, pre-existing conditions, or dreaded disease rider exclusions,20 or any combination thereof, if they do not unfairly discriminate.21 §1097. Enforcement22 A. Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that any health23 insurance issuer is not in full compliance with the provisions of R.S. 22:1091 et seq.,24 excluding disapproval by the commissioner as provided in R.S. 22:1092(C) and (G),25 he shall notify such person. Upon such notice, the commissioner may, in addition26 to the penalties in Subsection C of this Section, issue and cause to be served an order27 requiring the health insurance issuer to cease and desist from any violation.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 26 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. B. Penalties for violation of a cease and desist order. Any health insurance1 issuer who violates a cease and desist order issued by the commissioner pursuant to2 this Subpart while such order is in effect shall be subject at the discretion of the3 commissioner to any one or more of the following:4 (1) A monetary penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars for5 each and every act or violation and every day the health insurance issuer is not in6 compliance with the cease and desist order, not to exceed an aggregate of two7 hundred fifty thousand dollars.8 (2) Suspension or revocation of the health insurance issuer's certificate of9 authority to operate in this state.10 (3) Injunctive relief from the district court of the district in which the11 violation may have occurred or in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court.12 C. Penalties for violation of this Subpart. As a penalty for violating this13 Subpart, the commissioner may refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke the certificate14 of authority of any health insurance issuer, or in lieu of suspension or revocation of15 a certificate of authority, the commissioner may levy a monetary penalty of not more16 than one thousand dollars for each and every act or violation, not to exceed an17 aggregate of two hundred fifty thousand dollars.18 D. An aggrieved party affected by the commissioner's decision, act, or order19 may demand a hearing in accordance with Chapter 12 of this Title, R.S. 22:2191 et20 seq. If a health insurance issuer has demanded a timely hearing, the penalty, fine,21 or order by the commissioner shall not be imposed until such time as the Division22 of Administrative Law makes a finding that the penalty, fine, or order is warranted23 in a hearing, held in the manner provided in Chapter 12 of this Title.24 §1098. Frequency of rate increase limitations25 A. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all health benefit plans,26 limited benefits, and excepted benefits. Health insurance issuers shall not increase27 their premium rates during the initial twelve months of coverage and not more than28 once in any six month period following the initial twelve-month period, for any29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 27 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. policy, subscriber agreement, rider, or amendment issued in or for residents of the1 state, no matter the date of commencement or renewal of the health insurance2 coverage. 3 B. No health insurance issuer issuing policies or subscriber agreements shall4 increase its premium rates or reduce the covered benefits under the policy or5 subscriber agreement after the commencement of the minimum one- hundred -eighty6 day-period following the notice of the discontinuation of offering all health insurance7 coverage as described in R.S. 22:1068(C)(2)(a)(i) or 1074(C)(2)(a)(i). 8 C. This Section shall not affect increases in the premium amount due to any9 change due to compliance with the addition of a newly covered person or policy10 benefit level, or such changes necessary to comply with R.S. 22:1095 or other federal11 or state law, regulation, or rule.12 §1099. Discrimination in rates or failure to provide coverage because of severe13 disability or sickle cell trait prohibited 14 A. No insurance company shall charge unfair discriminatory premiums,15 policy fees or rates for, or refuse to provide any policy or contract of life insurance,16 life annuity, or policy containing disability coverage for a person solely because the17 applicant therefor has a severe disability, unless the rate differential is based on18 sound actuarial principles or is related to actual experience. However, health19 insurance issuers subject to this Subpart et seq. may not, regardless of actuarial20 principles or actual experience, unfairly discriminate in violation of this Subpart or21 federal law. No insurance company shall unfairly discriminate in the payments of22 dividends, other benefits payable under a policy, or in any of the terms and23 conditions of such policy or contract solely because the owner of the policy or24 contract has a severe disability.25 B. "Severe disability", as used in this Section, means any disease of or injury26 to the spinal cord resulting in permanent and total disability, amputation of any27 extremity that requires prosthesis, permanent visual acuity of twenty/two hundred28 or worse in the better eye with the best correction, or a peripheral field so contracted29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 28 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. that the widest diameter of such field subtends an angular distance no greater than1 twenty degrees, total deafness, inability to hear a normal conversation or use a2 telephone without the aid of an assistive device, or persons who have developmental3 disabilities, including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental4 retardation, and other neurological impairments.5 C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring an insurance6 company to provide insurance coverage against a severe disability which the7 applicant or policyholder has already sustained.8 D. No insurance company, including health insurance issuers subject to this9 Subpart, shall charge unfair discriminatory premiums, policy fees, or rates for, or10 refuse to provide any policy, subscriber agreement, or contract of life insurance, life11 annuity, or policy containing disability coverage for a person solely because the12 applicant therefor has sickle cell trait. No insurance company, including health13 insurance issuers subject to this Subpart, shall unfairly discriminate in the payments14 of dividends, other benefits payable under a policy, or in any of the terms and15 conditions of such policy or contract solely because the insured of the policy of16 contract has sickle cell trait. Nothing in this Subsection shall prohibit waiting17 periods, pre-existing conditions, or dreaded disease rider exclusions, or any18 combination thereof, as may be permitted by federal law.19 Section 2. R.S. 22:1093(A) and 1095, both as amended by Section 1 of this20 Act, are hereby enacted to read as follows: 21 §1093. Disclosure of rating practices and renewability provisions for insureds22 A. Each health insurance issuer shall make reasonable disclosure in23 solicitation and sales materials provided to insureds of the following:24 (1) The extent to which premium rates are established or adjusted due to25 claim experience.26 (2) The provisions concerning the health insurance issuer's right to change27 premium rates and the rating factors, which affect changes in premium rates.28 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 29 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (3) The provisions relating to renewability of coverage.1 * * *2 §1095. Rating factors 3 A. Health insurance issuers shall vary premium rates, whether new or upon4 renewal, with respect to a particular product for individuals or in a small group only5 by one or more of the following:6 (1) Whether such product or coverage covers an individual or family.7 (2) Rating area, as established in accordance with Subsection D of this8 Section.9 (3) Age, except that such premium rate shall not vary by more than three to10 one for adults.11 (4) Tobacco use, except that such rate shall not vary by more than one and12 one half to one.13 B. No premium rate shall vary with respect to a particular product or14 coverage involved by any other factor not listed in Subsection A of this Section.15 C. With respect to coverage issued to members within a family under a small16 group plan, the rating variations permitted under Paragraphs (A)(3) and (4) of this17 Section shall be applied based on the portion of the premium that is attributable to18 each family member covered under the plan or coverage.19 D. The department shall determine by rule or regulation the geographic area20 or areas to be used for the state of Louisiana.21 E. Any premium rate proposed to be used by a health insurance issuer shall22 be submitted and controlled by this Subpart.23 Section 3. R.S. 44:4.1(B)(10) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as24 follows:25 §4.1. Exceptions26 * * *27 B. The legislature further recognizes that there exist exceptions, exemptions,28 and limitations to the laws pertaining to public records throughout the revised29 HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 30 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. statutes and codes of this state. Therefore, the following exceptions, exemptions, and1 limitations are hereby continued in effect by incorporation into this Chapter by2 citation:3 * * *4 (10) R.S. 22:2, 14, 42.1, 88, 244, 461, 572, 572.1, 574, 618, 706, 732, 752,5 771, 1092, 1094,1203, 1460, 1466, 1546, 1644, 1656, 1723, 1927, 1929, 1983, 1984,6 2036, 23037 * * *8 Section 4. The provisions of R.S. 22:1091(B)(2), (3), (4), (14), and (19),9 1093(A) and 1095, all as amended by Section 1 of this Act, shall be effective until10 January 1, 2014. 11 Section 5. The provisions of this Section and Sections 1, 3, 4, and 6 of this12 Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not signed by the13 governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature by14 the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana.15 If vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall16 become effective on the day following such approval.17 Section 6. The provisions of Section 2 of this Act shall become effective on18 January 1, 2014. 19 DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] Ritchie HB No. 908 Abstract: Provides for review and approval of rates of health insurance issuers, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and brings present law relative to such review into compliance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Proposed law provides for health insurance rate review and approval as follows: (1)Present law provides for the approval and disapproval of health and accident insurance forms and policies by the commissioner of insurance. Proposed law increases the time for use of forms from 45 days to 60 days after filing. HLS 12RS-997 ORIGINAL HB NO. 908 Page 31 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. (2)Present law provides rate limitations for health benefit plans for small employers and individuals. Provides for rating factors and sets allowable percentages of annual increases. Requires each small group and individual health and accident insurer to make reasonable disclosure of rates to small employers and provides required content of each disclosure. Further provides that when a rate increase occurs, the insurer shall provide a reasonable explanation of any increase. Also requires each insurer to maintain records of its rating practices and to certify to the commissioner that it is in compliance with the rating requirements. Prohibits health and accident insurers from increasing their premiums except as provided in present law. Excludes group and individual high deductible health plans from the rate limitations and requirements. Proposed law makes rate review and approval requirements applicable to health benefit plans which provide coverage to large groups in addition to individual and small group entities. Provides that certain rating restrictions shall become effective January 1, 2014, and phases in certain criteria and factors relating to rates and rate increases. Provides for fees for proposed premium rate filings and rates changes. Lists and identifies those benefits not subject to the requirements. Additionally includes HMOs and any entity that offers health insurance coverage through a policy, certificate of insurance, or subscriber agreement subject to state law that regulates the business of insurance, which includes small groups, large groups, and individuals. Requires premium rate filings with the department, made under certain time lines, subject to certain fees, and containing certain information. Specifies that premium rate filings shall be reviewed by the department for compliance. Lists certain criteria and factors to be used to determine if the premium rates are unreasonable. Requires publication of any proposed rate increase which meets or exceeds the federal review threshold to allow for public comment. Makes certain information submitted to the department exempt from the Public Records Law. (3)Provides that if the commissioner determines that any health insurance issuer is not in compliance with the rate review provisions, he may issue penalties or issue cease and desist orders. Sets monetary penalties violation of cease and desist orders. Also authorizes the commissioner to revoke, suspend, or fail to renew authority of any health insurance issuer to conduct business in this state for noncompliance. Gives any aggrieved health insurance issuer the opportunity to seek a judicial hearing to review the department’s decisions on these matters. (4)Present law prohibits unfair discrimination in rates or failure to provide life, life annuity, or disability coverage because of severe disability or sickle cell trait. Proposed law retains this prohibition and additionally prohibits such unfair discrimination by health insurance issuers. Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action; however, certain provisions expire or become effective January 1, 2014. (Amends R.S. 22:972 and 1091-1099 and R.S. 44:4.1(B)(10); Adds R.S. 22:821(B)(34))